CBI responds to publication of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI:  

“The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill must build on the strong intent set out in the White Paper by giving mayors the tools they need to unlock growth in every region. Local growth plans, led by empowered mayors and developed in close partnership with business, are essential to delivering the government’s industrial strategy. These plans must be backed by multi-year integrated funding, devolved skills budgets, and strategic planning powers.  

“When mayors have the ability to tailor investment to the unique strengths of their regions—whether that’s advanced manufacturing, green tech, or digital innovation—they become powerful engines of productivity and inward investment. For business, consistency and clarity on devolution is just as important as ambition. We now have a real opportunity to hardwire economic dynamism into every part of England” 

REGIONAL QUOTES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER 

East of England 

Richard Tunnicliffe, CBI Regional Director, East of England: “The East of England’s future as a key driver of the UK economy is stronger than ever. Through the combined strength of a devolved mayoral leadership in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and the planned shift to streamlined unitary authorities, the region is set to unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation. The Oxford-Cambridge Arc stands as a strategic national asset that is fuelling advancements in technology, sustainable energy, and transport infrastructure.  

“And with greater cross-border collaboration between future mayors this can be enhanced still further – benefitting the UK as whole. Likewise, proposals for new devolution settlements for Norfolk & Suffolk and progress in Essex also bodes well for future clean energy opportunities where clear investment strategies and a laser focus on delivery will deliver economic growth, skilled employment, and prosperity.

“The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill provides the essential legal framework to empower local leaders with the autonomy and resources needed to deliver inclusive growth and build resilient communities that contribute meaningfully to the nation’s industrial ambitions." 

East Midlands 

Danielle Gillett Chair, CBI East Midlands Regional Council: “The East Midlands is entering a defining chapter in its devolution journey. With the establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the election of its first Mayor, we are beginning to see the early benefits of more locally driven, accountable leadership—particularly in skills, transport and regeneration, with devolution in other parts of the region also taking shape. The potential to align local growth plans with national priorities, such as net zero and industrial transformation, is especially powerful in a region with deep strengths in advanced manufacturing, rail innovation, defence and green energy.  

“But real progress will depend on consistent delivery, stable long-term funding, and meaningful engagement across counties and communities still adapting to new governance structures. As the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill sets out a framework for expanding and embedding these models across England, we urge government to work hand in hand with business. Strategic local leadership—rooted in collaboration—will be essential to translating ambition into lasting, inclusive economic growth for the East Midlands.” 

London 

Peter Hogg, Chair, CBI London Regional Council: “The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill must strengthen the powers of established mayoral authorities like London—ensuring the capital has long-term, flexible funding and planning levers to continue leading national growth. With a clear local growth plan aligned to the government’s industrial strategy, London can accelerate innovation, climate transition, and global investment.

“We welcome the Bill’s ambition to embed mayoral leadership as a permanent fixture of English governance. It reinforces the vital role of London in driving productivity and prosperity for the entire UK economy.” 

North East 

Prof. Jane Robinson, Chair, CBI North East Regional Council: “This is a pivotal moment for the North East. Building on the success of Mayoral Combined Authorities in the North East and Tees Valley, we welcome the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill’s ambition to further empower local leaders through devolved control of skills, transport, and planning—underpinned by business-led growth plans. 

“The convening power of Mayors to bring together industry, universities, and the public and voluntary sectors will unlock opportunities for all, across green industries, health & life sciences, creative industries and digital innovation, and position us on the world stage.  

“Aligned with the national industrial strategy, the Bill provides the statutory framework businesses have long called for: lasting control over regional assets, investment, and economic levers. This is how we create high-quality jobs, drive productivity, and close regional divides for good.” 

North West 

Darren Budd, Chair, CBI North West Regional Council: “A mayor-led North West, now well established in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, with devolution discussions advanced in Chesire & Warrington and Cumbria is a transformative step for delivering a modern industrial strategy. With devolved funding and growing powers, mayors have the convening power to unite local firms, universities, and public services to drive high-growth, export-oriented clusters—from advanced manufacturing in Manchester to clean energy innovation in Liverpool, tech corridors across Cheshire, and an advanced defence sector in Cumbria. 

"We strongly support the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill’s ambition to establish statutory mayoral combined authorities as the cornerstone of regional development, building on the successes of existing combined authorities in the region. By equipping local leaders with the right powers and financial certainty, the Bill will accelerate job creation, boost skills, and secure long-term, sustainable investment across the whole of the North West."

South East 

Eman Martin-Vignerte, Chair, CBI South East Regional Council: “The South East is now at the forefront of England’s devolution journey, with Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent all moving toward mayoral strategic authorities and unitary reform. To make this transformation a success, we need a coherent framework that empowers regional leaders with long-term funding, investment powers, and a clear mandate to deliver for their respective business communities. Directly elected mayors, backed by a robust local growth plan tailored to each region’s unique strengths can help provide the means to unlock new opportunities for jobs, skills, and productivity.  

"The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill presents a once-in-a-generation chance to build on world leading economic assets and growth corridors that exist across the region. Whether that’s technology and digital in and around Reading or the creative industries across the entire South East, it is vital we seize the opportunities devolution will present to meet the needs of our dynamic business base and fast-growing population.” 

South West 

Carmen Peacock, Chair, CBI South West Regional Council: “The South West holds significant potential, and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill offers a welcome opportunity to support our region’s growth. To make the most of this, a more joined-up approach to regional leadership will be essential, and one that empowers local areas through a mayoral model with devolved powers over transport, planning, and investment.  

“Co-designed, locally-owned growth strategies that are underpinned by long-term, multi-year funding and aligned with national priorities can unlock greater economic resilience and innovation. Recognising the diversity of our region will be key to successful implementation, ensuring all parts of the South West benefit from this next stage of devolution.  

“With strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital and tech, the creative industries, and clean tech, the South West is well-placed to lead. By putting in place inclusive, region-wide structures, we can give local leaders the tools and certainty they need to shape a prosperous future that reflects the South West’s unique character and ambitions.” 

West Midlands 

Nikki Paterson, CBI Regional Director, Midlands: “The West Midlands is entering a critical new phase in its devolution journey. With a deeper devolution deal now in place, a directly elected mayor, and growing control over transport, housing, and skills, we are seeing the tangible benefits of empowered local leadership. Projects like the Metro expansion, bus franchising, and integrated skills programmes are already delivering impact on the ground. 

“As home to world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean mobility, and innovation, the region is well placed to lead the UK’s net-zero and reindustrialisation ambitions. However, further progress hinges on fair and sustained funding, streamlined local governance, and a shared commitment to delivery—especially as surrounding counties like Staffordshire and Warwickshire weigh new governance models. 

“We welcome the ambition of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to embed this model more deeply and call for continued collaboration between government, local leaders, and business to ensure the West Midlands fully realises its potential.” 

Yorkshire & Humber 

Fergus Bailie, Chair, CBI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council: “With the devolution jigsaw now complete, Yorkshire & the Humber can take full control of its future. Funded local growth plans, shaped in partnership with business, will deliver high‑quality housing, skills programmes, and targeted infrastructure—all key pillars of the government’s industrial strategy.  
 
“We strongly welcome the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill’s promise to unlock new devolution deals and statutory powers for mayors. This legislation represents a long‑overdue opportunity for our region to drive inclusive growth on our own terms.”